|
Waterfowl are the most studied and monitored of bird
groups. Money from the Federal Duck Stamp, Ducks Unlimited dues, and taxes
on hunting equipment fund breeding and migration population surveys of migratory
birds in the USA, Canada and Mexico. First this info helps set waterfowl harvest
guidelines for each flyway by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Then each
state uses that info to set season dates and limits for each particular specie.
Harvest limits for each bird specie fluctuate according to the population
data. Many non-consumptive groups, like the Audubon Christmas bird count, tract
historical waterfowl population trends for a specific locale.
Also the Harvest Information Program (HIP) set up by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helps track migratory bird harvests. To hunt
migratory birds everyone must fill out a HIP questionnaire to obtain a license.
The HIP form asks the individual questions about last year's migratory bird
hunting experiences in that state. A random number of these are selected
for the national harvest survey. You'll are asked to voluntarily
complete a detailed survey about your harvest during this year's hunting
season. You will receive a hunting record form and will be asked to keep a
record of the number of migratory birds you harvest during the season. You will
also be given an addressed, postage-paid envelope to return your hunting form at
the end of the season.
The Audubon Christmas bird count (CBC), provides
useful historical waterfowl population trends for a specific locale and
time of year. For example about 29,000 Brant were counted in last year's CBC
many in and around New York City!
It is estimated that 157,000 Brant frequented the
Atlantic Flyway and 135,00 Brant used the Pacific Flyway in 2003.
Their populations fluctuating with the abundance, or lack thereof, the
availability of eelgrass, a staple in their diet. They are seldom seen
inland in the western U.S.
I personally looked for the
Brant at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this weekend. I did see about
20 Snow Geese, six of which were dark phase. Brant like to hang with Snows.
One of these six could have been the Brant. They were flying 65 yards away and
in poor light.
Tim Gorman
|